REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03128697 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1053351

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FOR

SUE PIKE EQUINE & ANIMAL RESCUE

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

6

Independent Examiner's Report

7

Statement of Financial Activities

8

Balance Sheet

9

to

10

Notes to the Financial Statements

11

to

18

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The charity's objects, set out in its governing document, are:

i. to relieve sickness, pain, fear and stress amongst sick, elderly, unwanted or neglected horses, ponies and other animals and to prevent ill treatment and cruelty to such animals

ii. to educate and advise the public, particularly those members of the public involved in the care of such animals, on the ways in which to care for the needs of such animals.

Main activities

This Report is a résumé of SPEAR's work during the year ended 31 March 2025.

This year as part of our winding down process we continue to concentrate on our permanent residents and are available as a safety net should any of our Fostered Horses and Ponies need our help. Our permanent residents are all getting older which means they have increased needs to maintain good health and therefore their ongoing costs especially as their Veterinary fees are a great deal more.

Traditionally we have provided details of admissions as part of the text of this Report but because of circumstances there have been few admissions during the year. Instead we will primarily detail below significant care-giving events and animal updates.

April 2024

Radish - 9 year old large white neutered billy goat.

Radish was a very kind companion to Casper and then when we lost him, to Jasper. He would join the ponies at grass where they would spend the day happily together and in Jasper's case standing side by side touching noses!

Radish developed mobility problems and was no longer sound, thought to be a problem emanating from his spine, possibly due to arthritis. Radish had daily pain medication which latterly proved to be ineffective. We couldn't keep him comfortable, so the sad decision was made to put him to sleep at home.

He had a good quality of life during his time at SPEAR. He did a great job as a companion, as well as keeping on top of the various brambles and weeds.

Permanent Residents

Bonnie and Barley

Half sisters, 27 year old Miniature Shetland pony mares

Both ponies have health problems and Barley in particular has received considerable veterinary attention during the past year, which is still ongoing. Keeping Barley in good health has been a considerable financial responsibility and fortunately so far she is responding to treatment.

This also brings us the added responsibility in that having lived together all their lives, we would never allow them to suffer the sad separation of losing one of them through an illness that is possible to treat.

Fostered Horses and Ponies

All the horses and ponies mentioned below are in their long-term foster homes where they have lived happily for many years due to devoted care from their Foster Owners. We are deeply grateful to all of our Foster-Owners.

Charlie

Eve

Liquorice

Little Jim

Marble

Minnie

Mystery

Nutmeg

Pepper

Pumpkin

Robin

Suzy

Toby

Public benefit

The 2011 Charities Act requires that charities demonstrate the public benefit of their activities. In considering their objectives and activities, the Charity Trustees complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on delivering public benefit published by the Charity Commission:

* By rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in Britain (direct public benefit through rehoming)

* By educating horse owners in the UK on how to better care for their horses (direct public benefit through education)

* Raising awareness of issues affecting elderly, infirm or unwanted large animals and promoting an understanding of their needs with the general public (direct public benefit through education)

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

SPEAR operates completely independently from other animal charities or Police Force. We are however frequently asked because of our experience in nursing care, to take cases referred to us by the RSPCA, Police and other large animal charities.

Cases reported to us of cruelty and neglect involves co-operation with other animal welfare organisations. In the case of loose and straying or unaccompanied horses and ponies, if appropriate we work with the Police and City Councils and will impound animals if a problem occurs locally in the hope that the searches done produce an owner. During the civil impounding period all welfare issues are dealt with at SPEAR's expense and if an owner is not found then the animal is given charitable status to protect it for the rest of its life.

Financially and medically it is not possible to save every horse that charities throughout the country are being asked to rescue. Every horse admitted to a rescue charity will incur high annual costs for the rest of the animal's life and these costs are continuing to rise every year. The inability to provide adequately for its daily needs mean welfare issues arise. The difficult conclusion is that because there are so many horses offered to charities it is necessary to recognise the fact that some of these horses and ponies would be better off humanely put to sleep. This is a national problem and we believe that it should be brought into the public domain that this is the current situation all animal charities face. There is no improvement in sight unless unnecessary and excessive breeding of animals is stopped.

SPEAR receives daily telephone calls from horse owners seeking advice on welfare matters. These range from distressed owners unable to keep their horses because of their poor financial situation and other personal problems, to those who were experiencing great difficulty with horses and ponies suffering from health and behavioural problems. With those who want to re-home a well horse or pony privately, we are able to assist in putting them in touch with someone who has contacted us looking for a certain type of horse or pony that may be suitable.

Please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SPEAR.SuePikeEquineAnimalRescue, it gives you all the latest information about our activities and fundraising events.

Fundraising activities

A number of fundraising events are usually carried out during the year, supplemented by smaller community based events as and when opportunities arise.

We continue to operate the Adoption Programme although sadly the Programme lost many of its animal members during the last few years. However it continues to operate and is a much needed source of charitable funds.

We have opened our two paddocks for dog walking, providing a safe and quiet environment for owners to enjoy with their dogs. There are many people who book on a regular basis throughout the year and we are grateful for their respectful use of the land.

Investment performance

Because of the uncertain nature of both charitable income and charitable expenditure long term investments were not previously made and all funds were held in readily accessible bank accounts.

Significant legacies left to SPEAR have since made it possible to create a long term investment, which is being managed by a third party firm on behalf of the charity.

The charity’s investments generated a modest return during the year, reflecting both income received and changes in market value. The trustees consider the overall return to be satisfactory in the context of the charity’s low-risk investment approach and long-term objectives.

Internal and external factors

Costs continue to rise and our incoming resources continue to be dependent upon the goodwill of the general public.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and carry out an annual review of the controls over key financial systems. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate any significant risks.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The details of the financial activities are shown on the attached Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet.

Income from donations and legacies increased by 20% during the period. Receipts in respect of activities for generating funds reduced by 16% during the period, due to the continued curtailment of fundraising events as part of the planned winding down of activities. Overall total income increased by 15% excluding the income from and gain on the fixed asset investment.

The charity's outgoing expenditure remained broadly stable, showing a modest reduction of approximately 1% compared with the previous year.

The Net Assets increased to £215,837 at the reporting date from £194,596 at the previous reporting date. This level of reserves is considered sufficient to meet anticipated costs for the next three years, should all income cease.

Principal funding sources

Prior to the pandemic the income generated by our Fund Raising Committee and the numerous events run provided the principal sources of funding. However following the pandemic and due to the winding down of the Charity the principal funding sources for the charity are donations and legacies from members of the public and other charitable organisations and income generated by our fund raising committee.

Reserves policy

The level of reserves is adequate to support the animals presently being cared for. The trustees consider these current levels of reserves are adequate to maintain existing facilities provided by the charity for the next 36 months. These reserves are necessary because the charity depends heavily on support from members of the public and as this is an unpredictable source of funds, reserves need to be maintained to ensure continued support for animals presently in care.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity will continue to relieve sickness, pain, fear and stress amongst sick, elderly, unwanted or neglected horses, ponies and other animals. Wherever possible it will seek to prevent ill treatment and cruelty to such animals whilst educating the general public involved in the care of such animals in ways to care for their needs. However as explained earlier in the report it intends to continue winding down its activities.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Charity constitution

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated on 21 November 1995 and registered as a charity on 28 February 1996. The charity's governing document is its memorandum and articles of association. In the event of the charity being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

During the year under review Mrs S M Pike was managing director and no other trustees held executive office.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association at each annual general meeting one-third of the trustees, except the managing director and any trustee holding an executive office, are subject to retirement by rotation.

No person other than a trustee retiring by rotation shall be appointed or reappointed a trustee at any general meeting unless he or she is recommended by the trustees.

Mr J T Waters is due for re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

03128697 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1053351

Registered office

Cotswold House

Norton Lindsey

Warwickshire

CV35 8JN

Trustees

Mrs S M Pike BEM Managing Director

Prof D C Knottenbelt OBE BVM&S DVM&S MRCVS

J T Waters BVMS MRCVS

C A L Pike

Independent Examiner

Clive Shedd FCA

Clive Shedd & Co

Chartered Accountants

232 Sladepool Farm Road

Birmingham

B14 5EE

Solicitors

Rotherham & Co

Solicitors

8 & 9 The Quadrant

Coventry

CV1 2EG

Other working names

The charity is also known by its acronym, SPEAR.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs S M Pike BEM - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sue Pike Equine & Animal Rescue ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Clive Shedd FCA

Clive Shedd & Co

Chartered Accountants

232 Sladepool Farm Road

Birmingham

B14 5EE

23 December 2025

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

75,134

-

75,134

62,550

Activities for generating funds

4

7,883

-

7,883

9,382

Investment income

5

4,325

-

4,325

831

Total

87,342

-

87,342

72,763

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

Raising donations and legacies

227

-

227

288

Activities for generating funds

324

-

324

1,357

Investment management costs

6

1,600

-

1,600

-

2,151

-

2,151

1,645

Charitable activities

Hospital running costs

60,943

-

60,943

64,844

Other

7,128

-

7,128

4,524

Total

70,222

-

70,222

71,013

Net gains on investments

4,121

-

4,121

5,523

NET INCOME

21,241

-

21,241

7,273

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

194,596

-

194,596

187,323

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

215,837

-

215,837

194,596

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

12

39

-

39

52

Investments

13

131,941

-

131,941

165,523

131,980

-

131,980

165,575

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year

14

88

-

88

351

Cash at bank

91,481

-

91,481

39,450

91,569

-

91,569

39,801

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

15

(7,712

)

-

(7,712

)

(10,780

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

83,857

-

83,857

29,021

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

215,837

-

215,837

194,596

NET ASSETS

215,837

-

215,837

194,596

FUNDS

16

Unrestricted funds

215,837

194,596

TOTAL FUNDS

215,837

194,596

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

S M Pike BEM - Trustee

1.	STATUTORY INFORMATION

Sue Pike Equine & Animal Rescue is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered company number is 3128697 and it's registered office address is as follows:

Cotswold House

Norton Lindsey

Warwickshire

CV35 8JN

2.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The financial statements were prepared in accordance with applicable charity law in the jurisdiction of registration. The charity's functional and presentation currency is the pound sterling, rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Significant judgements and estimates

In preparing these financial statements the charity's management make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported in the statement of financial activities for the reporting period under review.

The nature of estimates means that the actual outcome could differ and the charity's management consider there are no estimates or assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the amounts reported for assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

•

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Foot nursing areas

-

25% on cost

Muck trailer

-

25% on cost

Equipment

-

25% on reducing balance

Tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Financial instruments

Basic financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price and are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments represent unlisted equity investments initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at fair value.

3.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

£

Donations and gifts

5,391

61,958

Legacies

69,743

592

75,134

62,550

4.	ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS

2025

2024

£

£

Open Day events, Adopters' Day and incidental trading income

35

1,980

Adoption programme

619

971

SPEAR 100 Club

-

36

Dog exercising

7,229

6,395

7,883

9,382

The Jasper of SPEAR Fund raised £60 (2024: £1,490) in the financial year in the form of donations.

5.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

£

Franked investment income from fixed asset investment

2,308

-

Unfranked investment income from fixed asset investment

1,474

-

Deposit account interest

428

831

Investment deposit interest

115

-

4,325

831

6.	INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COSTS

2025

2024

£

£

Portfolio management

1,600

-

7.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2025

2024

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

13

17

8.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

2025

2024

£

£

Trustees' expenses

1,144

-

The number of trustees reimbursed for expenses was 1 (2024: 0).

The expenses reimbursed were as follows:

Hospital Running Costs

£835

Activities for Generating Funds

£168

Governance Costs

£141

9.	STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025

2024

Direct charitable work - full time

1

1

Direct charitable work - part time

1

1

2

2

No employees received emoluments of more than £60,000 per annum.

10.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

fund

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

62,550

-

62,550

Activities for generating funds

9,382

-

9,382

Investment income

831

-

831

Total

72,763

-

72,763

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

Raising donations and legacies

288

-

288

Activities for generating funds

1,357

-

1,357

1,645

-

1,645

Charitable activities

Hospital running costs

64,844

-

64,844

Other

4,524

-

4,524

Total

71,013

-

71,013

Net gains on investments

5,523

-

5,523

NET INCOME

7,273

-

7,273

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

187,323

-

187,323

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

194,596

-

194,596

11.	INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A provision has been made for fees payable for the independent examination of £740 (2024: £710). A provision has also been made for accountancy services provided by the accountancy practice of which the independent examiner is the principal of £760 (2024: £720).

12.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Foot

nursing

Muck

areas

trailer

Equipment

Totals

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025

5,483

5,340

9,902

20,725

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2024

5,483

5,340

9,850

20,673

Charge for year

-

-

13

13

At 31 March 2025

5,483

5,340

9,863

20,686

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

-

-

39

39

At 31 March 2024

-

-

52

52

13.	FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Unlisted

investments

£

MARKET VALUE

At 1 April 2024

165,523

Additions

64,666

Disposals

(100,692

)

Revaluations

2,117

Reclassification/transfer

327

At 31 March 2025

131,941

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

131,941

At 31 March 2024

165,523

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

A portfolio of investments is managed by a third party professional investment manager.

Cost or valuation at 31 March 2025 is represented by:

Unlisted

investments

£

Valuation in 2025

131,941

If the investment portfolio had not been revalued it would have been included at the following historical cost:

2025

2024

£

£

Cost

124,301

160,000

The investment portfolio was valued on an open market basis on 31 March 2025 by Albert E Sharp .

14.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

£

Trade debtors

9

9

Other debtors

79

155

Prepayments and accrued income

-

187

88

351

15.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

£

Trade creditors

3,047

4,984

Accruals and deferred income

4,665

5,796

7,712

10,780

16.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.24

in funds

31.3.25

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

194,596

21,241

215,837

TOTAL FUNDS

194,596

21,241

215,837

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Gains and

Movement

resources

expended

losses

in funds

£

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

87,342

(70,222

)

4,121

21,241

TOTAL FUNDS

87,342

(70,222

)

4,121

21,241